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Slot machines and electronic gaming consoles are returning in the United States in a big way.  The trend has been apparent for years as state after state has either approved laws to allow slot machines into their territory or amended laws allowing for the expansion of slot machine operations.

Recently, several states, like Maryland, have been trying to find ways to make ends meet as the entire nation fights its way through economic crisis.  Maryland’s answer was to reintroduce slot machines.

Birmingham, Alabama has not exactly turned to slot machines, but they have come very close.  Last Thursday a commission voted in favor of allowing Milton McGregor, a gambling magnate, to install new electronic gambling machines at the Birmingham Race Course.  The game is very similar to slot machines in appearance but they are based on horse racing.

Not everyone was on board with the decision.  The games too closely resembled slot machines to comfort Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins.  In her opinion the new games were just an attempt to circumvent state laws against operating slot machines. 

Lou Cella, President of RaceTech – the company that developed the electronic game, denied that the games is anything like a slot machine except, perhaps, in physical appearance. 

The games received support from Alabama Attorney General Troy King’s office.  The office released an advisory opinion stating that the machines are not slot machines and are completely legal.  The opinion was based on the fact that there is a strong skill based element to the games.

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